UCLA football has new momentum after beating Penn State last week. New play caller Jerry Neuheisel has given the Bruins new juice. What seemed like a sure win prior to the Penn State win now looks like a game that could be a trap game for USC in November.
In our Southern California Football Roundtable, the writers at Trojans Wire and UCLA Wire discuss who would win at this current moment, the Trojans or the Bruins. Here are each writer’s thoughts on this future matchup:
Editor Matt Zemek
USC still wins. USC still has a lot more talent. I will say that UCLA now has a puncher’s chance. I didn’t think so before the Bruins beat Penn State. UCLA’s offensive line versus USC’s defensive line looks like the key matchup for the whole game. Ultimately, though, UCLA’s defense has no chance against the Trojans’ offense. That’s why USC still wins.
Trojans Wire Writer Micah Huff
I think USC still wins that football game, but it will be closer than we previously thought. Nico Iamaleava played with great confidence, and he showed exactly why he was highly sought after coming out of high school. UCLA has new energy, but that will be a game that USC can not lose.
Trojans Wire Writer Adam Bradford
It has definitely changed somewhat. While I would still pick USC to win if the game were tomorrow, I am a bit more nervous about this game than I was a week ago, and am no longer penciling it in as a free victory for the Trojans.
UCLA Wire Writer Ryan Lorenz
USC should still win. Although it was impressive that the Bruins were able to knock around Penn State, it was only one game. If they are able to string a couple of these games together, then UCLA might have a chance to upset the Trojans.
UCLA Wire Writer Dylan McNeill
USC still wins. The UCLA defense still looked pretty weak and the Trojans will enjoy taking advantage of that. The Bruins’ offense looks worlds better so perhaps it’s a more exciting game but I struggle to see USC losing to this UCLA team, but I certainly didn’t expect them to beat Penn State either.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: UCLA football, after beating Penn State, could be tricky for USC
